The Esprit Gamma Knife treatment is a modern, highly precise, and non-surgical method for therapy of brain tumors and other neurological diseases. One of the leading centers in the world for this method is located at Koc University Hospital in Istanbul – a reference center for Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
The Gamma Knife Center at Koc University Hospital is The world's first, certified „Center of Excellence“ from the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS). This recognition is awarded after an extremely rigorous process of audit, monitoring, and professional evaluation.
The Gamma Knife unit was also selected for the only reference and training center for Gamma Knife radiosurgery in Turkey. In this role, the center serves as a training and specialized course base for doctors and medical physicists from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East.
What is a gamma knife?
Gamma Knife Esprit – the latest generation of radiosurgery
Radiosurgery with a Gamma Knife is a method of Extremely precise, non-operative treatment, in which affected areas in the brain are computer-identified, based on stereotactic principles. Gamma rays are then directed to them from 192 cobalt sources.
Each individual beam has low energy and does not damage healthy brain tissue. At the point where all beams converge, a high therapeutic dose of radiation is delivered, which targets the tumor or lesion.
The Gamma Knife allows bloodless and non-surgical treatment, without incisions and without classical surgery. In most cases, there is no need for an intensive care unit stay, and the procedure itself usually lasts several hours. Most patients can return to their normal rhythm of life the very next day.
The term „radiosurgery“ was introduced by the Swedish neurosurgeon Lars Lexell and describes a treatment where multiple low-energy beams are focused on a precisely defined area without affecting the surrounding healthy tissues.
The first Gamma Knife device was introduced into clinical practice in 1968. Today, the method is applied in Over 350 specialized centers worldwide, as of 2024. more than 1.5 million patients treated with a Gamma Knife for various brain diseases.
Esprit Gamma Knife: The Newest Generation Technology
Esprit Gamma Knife the latest and most advanced development in gamma knife technology. The system is integrated with a tomographic scanner, which significantly increases the accuracy and safety of the treatment.
Under certain indications, it is also possible Frameless treatment abroad, where an individually crafted mask is used for head stabilization instead of a rigid stereotactic frame.
The device also allows hypofractionated treatment – dose fractionation into several sessions. This is particularly suitable for:
- larger tumors
- lesions located in critical brain areas
This approach reduces the risk of side effects and maximally preserves healthy tissue.
Diseases for which the Leksell Gamma Knife Esprit is used
Benign tumors
- Meningioma
- Vestibular schwannoma
- Tumors of the pituitary gland
- Jugular foramen tumor
- Trigeminal schwannoma
- Hemangioblastoma
- Chord
- Tumors in the pineal region
- Craniopharyngioma
Vascular diseases
- Arteriovenous malformations
- Cavernomas
- Dural arteriovenous fistulas
Functional disorders
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Motor disorders
- Parkinson's disease-related tremor
- Essential tremor
Malignant tumors
- Brain metastases
- Uveal melanoma
- Some glial tumors
- Hemangiopericytoma
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Eligibility criteria
The suitability of Esprit gamma knife treatment for a specific patient is determined individually, based on:
- imaging studies
- medical documentation
- Clinical examination and expert evaluation
Advantages of Gamma Knife treatment
- In many cases, it eliminates the need for traditional surgery.
- Very low risk of adverse side effects
- General anesthesia is not required
- One-day treatment is sufficient for most patients
- Do not disrupt the daily rhythm of life
- Possibility to return to work the very next day
- No surgical scars
- Shaving or trimming hair is not necessary
Stages of Gamma Knife treatment
The first stage involves placing stereotactic frame, which is performed under local anesthesia. Sedation may also be administered to children. In certain cases, the frame may be replaced with an individual thermoplastic mask.
All patients undergo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), with additional tests selected individually according to the diagnosis.
Then it is performed precise dose planning with the help of specialized software. During this time, patients can rest.
The treatment itself begins immediately after the planning is completed. The procedure takes a short amount of time, and after it is finished, patients are discharged and sent home. on the same day.
The team of Medical Karaj provides assistance to patients who are considering Gamma Knife Esprit treatment abroad. If you wish to understand whether this method is suitable for your specific case, you can contact us for information regarding the necessary tests and next steps. 0878 500 730.
